Fresh from the 11th National Men’s Shed Gathering in Brisbane, there was plenty to talk about—networking, shared ideas, and of course the National Shed Awards. One standout on the day was the Cockburn Community Men’s Shed, which took out a major honour: Shed of the Year – Community Impact Award.
For a shed in the southern suburbs of Perth, this wasn’t just a trophy on the shelf. It was recognition of years of steady, practical work helping people in their local area.
A shed with community in its name—and in its work
The Cockburn shed sits in the City of Cockburn in Western Australia, not far from Fremantle and part of a busy coastal region.
Chairman Mike Murphy and Vice Chairman Jack Bernardi explained that the award wasn’t about one big project, but rather the breadth of what the shed does.
“We’ve tried to be active in our community ever since we started,” Mike said. “We’ve made things for local schools, aged care homes, and we get involved wherever we can.”
That includes work with:
- Local primary and high schools
- Aged care and community groups
- Disability support programs (through the NDIS)
- Work for the Dole participants
- Youth engagement programs
It’s a long list—and that’s exactly why they stood out.
Teaching young people and giving them confidence
One of the most valued programs is the “boys shed” work with local schools. Vice Chairman Jack Bernardi spends time each week at a local primary school workshop.
“We get kids who might be struggling at school or have a few family problems,” he said. “They come into the shed and build toys and small projects. They learn how to use tools properly—and they love it. Some don’t even want to go back to class.”
For many of the men involved, this is one of the most rewarding parts of shed life. It’s not just about teaching skills—it’s about giving young people confidence and routine.
Supporting people with disability and returning to work
The shed also works with NDIS participants, who come in with support workers to take part in safe, structured activities.
“We assess them first for safety—for them and for others in the shed,” Mike explained. “Then they get involved just like anyone else.”
There’s also a strong connection with employment support programs, including Work for the Dole and community justice referrals.
That means the shed sometimes hosts people completing community service requirements.
“They come in and get stuck into practical work—pulling nails, cleaning timber, or helping with projects,” Mike said. “They have a great time because they think it’s something different than pulling weeds out of the freeway!”
Jack also mentioned a younger guy who hasn’t worked for 12 months and is trying to get back into the workforce. “So he comes down and we’ve got him to got him to restore a doll’s house that somebody brought in. And he had a great time doing that, under supervision, of course and we’re just waiting for that to be picked up.”
From donated tools to overseas impact
Not all the shed’s work stays local. Tools that can’t be used are often sent overseas through a member who travels regularly to the Philippines. There, they are passed on to small villages where they are greatly appreciated.
“They think they’re fantastic,” Mike said simply.
Built on requests from the community
Much of the shed’s project work starts with a phone call. Schools and local groups ask for everything from picnic tables to oversized chess sets. One project involved building a three-metre square chessboard, while another required heavy-duty table tennis tables that couldn’t be easily moved.
“If it can be built or fixed in the shed, we’ll have a go,” Jack said with a grin.
A strong membership and steady hands
With just under 110 members, the shed is active and well supported. A good example is their regular sausage sizzle fundraisers. “We need about 15 volunteers each time, and we’ve never struggled to get them,” Mike said. “That says a lot about the group.”
Looking ahead
Despite winning Shed of the Year, the focus remains simple.
“We just want to keep improving and do more for the community,” Jack said. “That’s what it’s about.”
Just steady work, shared effort, and a shed that keeps turning up for its community.
And that, perhaps more than any award, is what makes a men’s shed matter.